CO129-514-2 Mui Tsai system- suggested regulations and possible abolition 9-1-1929 - 16-5-1929 — Page 110

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PART III. OF THE ORDINANCE.

Besides the registration provision, Part III.,

which has not yet been brought into operation, contains a

provision about the payment of wages to Mui Tsai. This

also appears as one of the immediate reforms advocated

by the Anti-Mui Tsai Society of Hong Kong, as mentioned

in Mr.J.H. Harris's letter to the "Manchester Guardian".

The only objection put forward to this by the Secretary

of Chinese Affairs in the Governor's despatch is that it

is difficult to see how such a regulation could be

enforced. Though it is not a good thing to multiply

legislation which cannot be enforced, it is possible

that on this point a concession might be made, and the

requirement as to wages transferred from Part III. to

Part II., and be brought into force at

This would

remove any basis for the allegation that the status of

Mui Tsai was in any way more slave-like than the status

bractical of a wage-earning domestic servant. Its value for the

Its

present would no doubt remain simply as an additional

charge to be brought against those who abuse their position

as employers of Mui Tsai,

REGISTRATION,

The objections are

(a)

that it would deeply offend the susceptibilities

of the whole Chinese Community, if enforced as it would

have to be by a house to house inspection;

(b)

that it would result in a general obstruation

to Government by a community singularly able and well-placed

to obstruct effectively;

(c)

that it might land the Government with

thousands of girl children ranging from five years of

age

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